Thung Yai - Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary

Thai World Heritage

The vast expanse of Huai Kha Khaeng forest is home to a variety of flora and fauna.

Thung Yai-Huai kha khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries are the most abundant forest reserves in . Karen ethnic people in the west of the country and experienced hunter from town and city have known for long that these sanctuaries are home to a variety of wildlife animals, especially Asiatic or Wild Water Buffalo. The creature became extinct in other forests in the country, but was found roaming these sanctuaries in 1965. As a result, shortly after, Huai kha khaeng and Thung Yai Naresuan forests were declared wildlife sanctuaries. In April 1973 a Royal Thai Army helicopter crashed in Bang Len district of Nakhon Pathom province. Numerous carcasses of protected wildlife animals were retrieved from the debris. The story caused a media sensation and became a subject for investigative journalism. The media later found that passengers on board were returning from a hunting trip in Thung Yai forest.

The scandalous story called into question the special privileges held by the country’s rulers at that time. Then it became one of the driving forces behind the antidictatorship uprising of 14 October 1973. Since that day, the reputation of these sanctuaries has become widely recognised. Every time the reserve comes under various kinds of threat, all nature lovers have no hesitation in protecting it as best they can. In December 1991 UNESCO reached its decision to inscribe Thung Yai - Huai kha khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries on the World Heritage List thanks largely to three outstanding characteristics based on four UNESCO selection criteria. Thung Yai - Huai kha khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries were the first-ever internationally recognised natural heritage sites in Thailand and .

Location

The Thung Yai – Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary lies about 350 kilometres north-west of Bangkok, adjacent to the Burmese border. The western part of the sanctuary is known as Thung Yai Naresuan, the eastern part western part of the sanctuary is known as Thung yai Naresuan,the eastern part as Huai Kha Khaeng. The sanctuary area encompasses two important river systems, the Upper Khwae Yai (sometimes called the Mae Klong) and the Huai Kha Khaeng.

Chong Yen viewpoint, Mae Wong National Park.

Mae Khamin waterfall, Srinakarin Dam National Park. Thi Lo Su waterfall, Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary.

History of Thung Yai - Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary

One Life and a World Heritage Site

These protected forests are most valuable and important for conservation in the form of wildlife sanctuaries in order to maintain a natural environment that is rich in the biodiversity of forest ecosystem, flora and fauna. These protected forests can guarantee the survival of wildlife animals and protect them from the considerable threats of hunting,illegal logging in some areas home to certain species, and unhealthy development that is not based on basic conservation of the ecosystem. Sueb Nakasatien

Before 1 September 1990 Sueb Nakasatien was still an unknown conservationist, but his headline-grabbing death brought him posthumous recognition and caused a dramatic impact on Thai society.

During the period between 1982 and 1987 a project on constructing a hydroelectric on the upper Kwai Yai River, also known as Nam Chone Dam, was in the pipeline. The construction of the reservoir meant greater deforestation in Thung Yai Naresuan forest, covering 142 square kilometers. As a forestry academic Mr. Sueb was a major force among environmental groups in a campaign to protest against the dam protect until it was Sueb Nakasatien (Centre) actively opposed a forest cancelled concession in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in 1998.

Thank to this environmental movement Mr. Sueb hit on the idea to nominate Thung Yai – Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List to ensure that these nature reserves were permanently protected. As a result he devoted himself entirely to writing a report on these two protected areas before submitting it to the World Heritage Committee in June 1990.

In the same year, Mr. Sueb was appointed as a chief of the one-million-rai Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary. Owing to financial constraints Apart from the unique natural characteristics of the and limited manpower he found it hard to protect the Thung Yai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries, sanctuary from illegal poaching and logging gangs. state cancellation of the Nam Chone Dam Project is Consequently, Mr. sueb could not help but shoulder also attributed to World Heritage recognition. This is the burden and emotional tension. a rarely seen picture showing dramatic mountains and a large stretch of thick forest at Nam Chone mountain pass, a dam construction site.

In the early hours of 1 September 1990 the sound of a gunshot was heard in a house where Mr. Sueb was living in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary. He had decided to end his Life by his own hand.

His death caused an emotional impact on nature lovers and social justice seekers as well as raising environmental awareness in society. Since then Mr.Sueb has been recognised not only as a forestry official but also as the figurehead for environmental conservation groups in Thailand.

A few months after Mr.Sueb death, UNESCO inscribed the Thung Yai- Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries on the World Heritage List. Finally, his lifelong dream had come true, but at the expense of his own life.

Significance of Thung Yai - Huai Kha Khaeng

Wildlife Sanctuary

The Biodiversity Hub of the Tropical Forest

Thung Yai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries are located in the Thanon Thongchai Mountain Range and reach as far away as the Tanaosri Mountian Rang. They are also situated in a monsoon zone. A majority of the area is covered with a chain of steep mountains and diverse geography, ranging from high peaks, cliffs and valleys, to limestone-rich caves. Two significant river, Kwai Yai and Kwai Noi, wind through the nature reserves. Both rivers are tributaries of the Mae Klong River, which runs through Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi province before flowing into the Gulf of Thailand.

A lofty mountain range hinders the southwest monsoon, which subsequently makes the rainwater amount on each side of the range markedly different. The western side has abundant rainfall, whereas the majority of the eastern side is a closed area, thereby having poorer rainfall.

Thanks largely to the diverse geography, the nature reserves are rich in the variety of wildlife animal and plant species. They are also home to almost every kind of forest ecology in Thailand, such as deciduous and evergreen and deciduous dipterocarp forests in mainly attributed to the selection of Thung Yai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries as World Heritage site. They are tropical forests that are rarely found in the other parts of the world. Dry evergreen forest is a ecological community in a monsoon climate, which experiences a dry season for around three to four months a year. That is the reason why some deciduous species mingle with drought-resistant nondeciduous species. The dry evergreen forest grows in the wet area without any forest fires. The area also has deep soil that is suitably able to hold water. The annual rainfall amount to 1,500 millimetres on average and is located up to 950 metres above sea level. Deciduous dipterocarp forest is found in the area with poor rainfall, at lower than 1,250 millimetres per year, and experiences a dry season around six months in a year. The area also has shallow soil that can hold moisture for a short time and which has fewer organic substances. Thus, deciduous forest grows in great abundance in this area. Shorea obtuse and S. siamensis are common trees here. It is open forest and the main ground are grasses, a food source for herbivores. Deciduous dipterocarp forest is found only in five countries in the world, namely , , , and Thailand. A painting shows a mosaic of significant forests in A map shows the distribution of varied forests in Thung Yai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries. Dry evergreen forest harbours important wildlife animals thanks to an ecosystem that is perfect for a variety of animal species. And dry evergreen forest mostly grows side by side with deciduous dipterocarp forest and mixed deciduous forest. Thus, it becomes an ideal habitat for all herbivores and a major food source during the dry season when grasses grow rapidly after the forest fires. 1. Dry evergreen forest. The significant species include Dipterocarpus turbinatus, harmandiana, Polyalthia viridis, Walsura. trichostemon and Baccaurea ramiflora They mingle with deciduous species such as and Pterocarpus macrocarpus and with ferns, vines and orchids. 2. Mixed deciduous forest. The significant species include Afzelia xylocarpa, Pterocymbium tinctorium, Lagerstroemia cuspidata and Bombax anceps etc. They mingle with various bamboos such as bambos and Thyrsostachys siamensis. This forest type is open and full of vines. 3. Deciduous dipterocarp forest The significant species are Dipterocarpacece families, which include Shorea obtuse, S. siamensis and Dipterocarpus obtusifolius. Sunlight shines through the thin tree canopy to the ground. Forest fires rang here annually during the dry season. 4. Hill evergreen forest grows at the top of mountains that are up to 1,000 metres above sea level. The significant species are plants in the Castanopsis sp.

Trees grow thickly in the dry evergreen forest. The The ground under the dry evergreen forest’s dense canopy affords plenty of shade. canopy is mostly covered with Zingiber sp.,Alpinia

sp. and Boesenbergia sp.

Sapria himalayana is a parasitic plant species that is incapable of photosynthesis, so it needs to depend on sap from roots of certain plants, such as Tetrastigma leucostaphyllum. The plant is found in Deciduous dipterocarp forest usually grows on evergreen forest on high mountains. It blossoms shallow and stony soil. The trees do not grow once a year between May and August, and is one densely and have very thick and flame-resistant of only a few parasitic plants in nature. bark.

The bamboo forest is one of significant characteristics in a mixed deciduous forest. Commercially speaking, the bamboo forest is of In general, the canopy of the mixed little value but it is, ecologically speaking, deciduous forest is not thick and is mostly considered as a major food source for several covered with vines. The ground plants wildlife animals, such as junglefowl and other birds, grow thinly. Typically, they are grass and elephant, gaurs, red muntijacs, sambar deer and diverse bamboos. wild boars.

When the dry season comes, the once- Bauhinia saccocalyx is in full blossom after green deciduous dipterocarp and mixed shedding its leave in the dry season. It appears deciduous forests become multicoloured every year in Thung Yai Wildlife Sanctuary ahead of natural wonders. The leaves of the Shorea the forest fire season.

obtuse turn yellow as the leaves of S. siamensis turn red. The mountains are aglow with these vivid hues. This is the natural cycle of trees in these forests. They shed their leaves when there is not enough water conducive to photosynthesis.

Thung Yai Grassland One of the most striking geographical characteristics of Thung Yai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries is their vast grassland areas. The rarity of such grassland was one of the contributing factors for World Heritage Site selection. The grassland in the Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary grows on low and curvy hills at a height of 800 metres above sea level. Mostly, the topsoil is shallow and dotted with scattered limestone. The area is covered by both large and small grasslands. The total area is around 100 square kilometres. The large grasslands with specific names are Thung Yai, Thung Krating, Thung Ruesri and Thung Mongdong. Among them, Thung Yai grassland is the largest, covering around 10 square kilometers. The survival of the grasslands is directly dependent upon forest fires. If there are no forest fires, the grasslands will gradually diminish due to invasion season arrives every year, the grassland in Thung Yai is destroyed by forest tire. After the flames die down, the minerals in leaves and grasses become water-soluble ashes, an absorbent compost that helps plants grow rapidly. Sometimes, the moisture from dew is enough for the grassland's growth despite no rainfall at all.

Apart from its green shade that holds visitors in awe, the grassland is dotted with pink and crimson Curcuma Sessilis that adds vibrant colour to the fields.

The main characteristic of the grassland in Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary is sometimes called savanna because it does not have only grass but also shrubs and sparely grown large trees. Even though the word 'savanna' is applied to Thung Yai grassland savanna usually calls to mind the African savanna, which is in a half-desert climate and a far cry from the Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary. Instead, The Thung Yai Naresuan grassland is in a monsoon climate and grows in a limestone-rich area. The soil is abundant, but the topsoil is shallow and scattered with limestone. More importantly, the grassland is usually found on the line of limestone subsidence that runs northwest -southeast or else runs parallel to Srisawat fault lines. A distinct geographical characteristic, it illustrates the outcome of a marvellous geographical development rarely seen in Thailand.

Apart from its green shade that holds visitors in awe, the grassland is dotted with pink and crimson Curcuma Sessilis that adds vibrant colour to the fields.

The fruit of Phoenix acaulis turns black when it is a sweet and tasty treat for humans and wildlife animals alike.

Phoenix acautis is a plant in the Palm family. It grows in dry areas and is a fire-resistant species.

Cycas pectinata is a large tree common in Thung Yai grassland and rarely found in other Thai forests. After the forest fires die out the drops of the drops of the

first shower cover the grassland. Here a fresh shoot of Cycas siamensis appears on its charred trunk.

The Natural Charm of Gallery Forests, Peafowl, and a Last Herd of Wild Water Buffalos

Nowadays, wild water buffalos are on the verge of extinction due largely to destruction of their habitat. Huai Kha Khaeng stream is home to the last herd of wild water buffalos in Thailand. The number of beasts in the herd is estimated at below 50.

Given all the rivers in forests nationwide, only rivers in Thung Yai – Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries remain in pristine condition and preserve the gallery forest perfectly, especially the reeds growing along the rivers in lower Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary that stretch further afield. In Thailand most of the gallery forests are submerged in reservoirs. Fortunately, the Nam Chone Dam construction project, and some other environmentally menacing ones, have been called off. The significance of the gallery forest in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary is that it harbours some rarely seen wildlife animals, especially wild water buffalos (Bubalus arnee) and green peafowl (Pavo muticus). In 1965 the Royal Forest Department's exploration team and press people were on their way from southern Huai Kha Khaeng to Pong Naisor salt lick when they came across some wild water buffalos. At that time Huai Kha Kaeng had not yet been recognised as a wildlife sanctuary but soon the attractions of the gallery forest and wildlife animals aplenty were publicly shown on what was then Channel 4, proving that Huai Kha Khaeng was pristine. It is not overstatement to say that Hua Kha Khaeng received the recognition because of the wild water buffalos.

The grave concern is that the habitat of the wild water buffalos is limited to the lower Huai Kha Khaeng stream and some parts of the Huai A green peafowl spreads out its extravagant tail near Maerdee stream. According to a forestry study the southern Huai Khg Khaeng stream. The pristine environment suitable area where wild water buffalos take shelter along the stream - a strip of sand and clean water - are accounts for only 0.42% of Huai Kha Khaeng contributory factors for reproduction and survival of the species. Wildlife Sanctuary, or around 11 out of 2,780

square kilometres in total. Hence, wild water buffalos are threatened with extinction to the extent that they are registered on protected wildlife animal lists.

A strip of sand on Huai Kha Khaeng steam, where wild water buffalos are found, is also home to green peafowl, another endangered species in Thailand. They are new on the world's Fish is basic food for the Oriental small-clawed otter. This is near-extinct species list. In the past green peafowl why the animal chooses to live near to clean and large streams, including Huai Kha Khaeng stream. were often seen, but they have been in rapid decline in the past 50 years due largely to commercial hunting and the destruction of their habitat.

In general, green peafowl have a strong instinct to be on their guard against any danger. If not certain an area is safe enough to find food, they do not venture into it. Consequently, the green peafowl is likely to be the first species to face extinction if ever there are activities that may disturb them. This might cause a ripple effect on other species in the natural world as well. It is regrettable that the vast majority of people still lack a knowledge of this fact. In Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary the gallery forests scatter along watercourses such as Suriya River. The conservation area remains as pristine as Huai Kha Khaeng nature reserve and harbours rarely found plant species such as the Epipactis flava orchid.

A Hub of Wild Species from Four Biogeographical Regions

Thailand is situated at the heart of Southeast Asia. Biogeographically speaking, the country is located in the Oriental, or Sino-Indian, Region, the second-largest region of diverse biodiversity in the world.

The biogeographical region means the realm of species distribution patterns that are separated from each other by various geographical conditions. Within a biogeographical region living things evolve differently to elsewhere, depending on the geography. The area overlapping or bordering between two biogeographical regions is a perfect spot, where animals and plants exist more diversely than usual.

The Oriental Region can be divided into five subregions. Thung Yai-Huai Kha Kheang Wildlife Sanctuaries are both where four subregions overlap, i.e.Sundaic, Indo-Burmese, Sino-Himalayan and Indo- Chinese. Thung Yai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries are gathering places for wildlife animals from the North to the South and from the East to the West. This explains why these nature reserves are a paradise of rich biodiversity, which helped them earn their recognition from the World Heritage Sites committee.

In Thung Yai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries, Phayre’s langur (Semnopithecus phayrei), rufous-neched hornbill (Aceros nipalensis) and green cochoa (Cochoa viridis) are found. They are from the Sino-Himalayan subregion and not found in a lower area than in this subregion. Marbled cats (Pardofelis marnorata), which come from India’s Sikkim state, roam the sanctuaries. Fea’s muntjacs (Muntiacus feae) from the Indo-Burmese subregion and silvered langurs (Semnopithecus cristatus) from the Indo-Chinese subregion also enjoy living in these nature reserves. Asian tapirs (Tapirus indicus) from the Sundaic subregion are not seen in areas above Thung Yai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries.

All of these wildlife animals are representatives of an abundant biodiversity and make the sanctuaries their home. It is little wonder that protected areas are a melting pot of some of the most valuable plant and animal species in Southeast Asia.

A map shows locations and territories of Thung Yai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries, a hub of living things from four subregions.

Keeping Track of Tigers and a Herd of Bantengs

Pictures of tigers, taken from a camera trap provided by Kao Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary is a habitat for a large Nangram Wildlife Research Station show that about 13 tigers number of bantengs. The wild bovines live in the mixed inhabit the study area of 100 square kilometers, indicative of deciduous dipterocarp forests. A study has found that the high population density.

population of bantengs is on the increase.

Even though this world heritage forest is the largest hub of biodiversity in the region, research on wild species in the forest is conducted in order to gain useful information on wildlife management for the future. Hence, Thung Yai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries are valuable nature reserves for future research on the flora and fauna. Among targeted wildlife animals the tiger (Panthera tigris) is the focus of attention at the moment. The tiger is recognised as a king of the forest and a key species that indicates how abundant the wild is, because the tiger is a large predator and the highest species in the food chain. Tigers want a spacious habitat where other animals also live. Conservation of tiger species helps preserve other animal species and the natural environment. If tigers remain in any forest, it means that that forest has an abundant ecosystem.

Saksit Simcharoen, head of Khao Nangram Wildlife Research Station, and colleagues collect a tiger’s physical information before attaching a radio transmitting collar.

Forests along the Thai-Burmese border are the world’s second-largest habitat for tigers, preceded by the Sundarbans forest around the Bay of Bengal ay the mouth of the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers in India. In short, high hopes rest on the sustainable conservation of tigers in Thung Yai- Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries.

The distinctive characteristic of bantengs is that they have a white patch on their rump and around their muzzles, which gaurs do not have. The top picture shows a male and the picture below it shows females.

Leopards (Panthera pardus) are one of the large hunters in Thung Yai – Huai Kha Khaeng wildlife Sanctuaries. They tolerate drought and live in an area distant from water sources far better than tigers. They inhabit nearly all kinds of forest where they can hunt prey. (Above top and above)A herd of gaurs roams Thung Yui – Huai Kha Khaeng Widlife Sanctuaries, the only place in Asia conducive to the survival of three particular wild bovine families: bantengs, gaurs and wild water buffalos.

Hornbills and woodpeckers: Cross-species Friendship Apart from the remaining peafowl in Thung Yai – Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries, the nature reserves are also home to ho rnbills. They are large birds with a big, long and down-curved bill and have a casque on their head. Each hornbill has a different casque. Currently, there are 55 hornbill species around the world. Thailand has 13 species. Out of these, six species are found in Thung Yai – huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries, including the great hornbill (Buceros bicornis), wreathed hornbill (Aceros undulatus), Tickell's brown hornbill

One of the most beautiful hornbills in the world is the rufous- (Anorrhinus tickelli tickelli) and Oriental pied necked hornbill. Found only in the west of Thailand they are hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris). The other two, a rarely seen species. i.e. rufous-necked hornbill (Aceros nipalensis) and

plain- pouched hornbill (A. subruficolis), are rarely found species in danger of extinction. Generally, hornbills lay their eggs in the holes of large trees. This explains why the birds only take shelter in an evergreen forest with numerous large live trees and minimal disturbance. Not surprisingly, the hornbill is thus regarded as the symbol of the evergreen forest. On the other hand the birds play a vital role in keeping the evergreen forest alive by helping distribute fruits with large seeds that other animals cannot eat, such as Polyalthia viridis and Beilschmiedia gammieana. The Hornbill Research Foundation does not only conduct research on the rufous-necked hornbill, the wreathed hornbill, and the great hornbill in Thung yai – Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries, but also it researches woodpeckers, which have close relations with hornbills because A wildlife researcher cimbs a high tree to study a hornbill nest in a hole. the latter cannot peck the holes to build a nest.

Instead, the hornbills use naturally-caused holes or those pecked by the woodpeckers. Woodpeckers have a big reputation when it comes to pecking. They hunt their prey – insects and caterpillars that hide beneath the hard tree bark – by using their sharp beaks and specially thick skulls that help them peck and pound against the bark with no injury to their brain. The study represents a new breakthrough on bird species. In particular, its findings reveal that woodpeckers, especially the great slaty woodpecker (Mulleripicus pulverulentus), the Found in the World heritage forest, Tickell’s brown hornbill is common flameback woodpecker (Dinopium one of two subspecies of brown hornbill in Thailand. javanense) and grater flameback woodpecker

(Chrysocolaptes lucidus), play key roles in making holes for nest-finding hornbills. They are middle-to large-sized woodpeckers. The holes made by the woodpeckers find highest favour with plain- pouched hornbills. In the research area, every hole where plain-pouched hornbills built their nest was made by woodpeckers. The amazing relationship between two bird groups speaks volumes that the conservation of one species can be essential to the survival of another species.

Oriental pied hornbill is the smallest hornbill in Thailand. They are often seen in the wild.

Thung Yai-Huai Kha Kheang Wildlife Sanctuaries are home to 22 of the 35 species of woodpecker found in Thailand. The nature reserves are protection areas where more species of woodpecker live than in other reserves in Thailand. (Left)Great slaty woodpecker. (Middle)Common flameback woodpecker. (Right)White-bellied woodpecker.

The World Heritage for Conservation of Rare and near-Extinct Wildlife One of the distinctive characteristics of Thung Yai – Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries that meets the selection criteria is that the nature reserves are the habitat for near-extinct plant and animal species. They are the largest protected area in Southeast Asia, reaching as far away as the bordering forests of Burma. The abundant forests are a guarantee of survival for diverse plant and animal species. The sanctuaries are natural shelters for nearly half the vertebrates found in Thailand. They are home to 153 species of mammal out of 295 found in Thailand and 490 species of bird out of 930 in total. The nature reserves serve as a safe haven to 89 species of reptile out of 313; 41 species of amphibian out of 106; and 188 species of fish out of 500. Among them, 21 animal species are recognised by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) as endangered species and 55 species as threatened species. Many of them are rarely found in the world such as Asian tapirs, marbled cats and Fea’s muntjacs. The large-scale protected areas prove a boon to tigers, elephants, gaurs and bantengs as the reserves help them maintain their species in safe havens because they stand a chance to engage in cross- genetic interaction. On the contrary, if wildlife animals are confined to small-scale reserves. They cannot help but have inbreeding amongst themselves, triggering a reduction in genetic diversity, weaker heredity and lower fertility. In a worst-case scenario, they might face extinction despite no hunting from humans.

Leopard (Panthera pardus) are in danger of extinction, so they are listed as protected animals.

Asian tapir (Tapirus indicus) is a rare and near-extinct wild animal. It is one of 15 reserved wildlife species in Thailand.

Wild boars (Sus scrofa) are in greater numbers because of their high fertility. They are a major food source for predators such as , and tigers.

Sambar deer (Cervus unicolor) is the largest deer in Thailand.

The female wild deer find their food at a salt lick.

long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) has vast population distribution from the evergreen to mangrove The red muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak) is found in evergreen forests. forests and open grasslands.

The slow loris (Nycticebus coucang) is in decline due to The three-striped palm civet (Arctogalidia trivirgata) is massive hunting of its young. nocturnal. Its habitat is evergreen forest.

The common butterfly lizard (Leiolepis belliana) lives by digging holes underground. Twin-spotted treefrog (Rhacophorus bipunctatus).

A Malayan pit viper (Calloselasma rhodostama) protects its A wild spider (Lycosa sp.) holds eggs under its body.

eggs.

Mouhotia batesi is a rare beetle in Thailand.

The redbreast (Paplio alcmenor) is a rare insect except in Thung Yai-Hua Kha Khaeng.

Katydids (Pseudophyllus titan) are small insects that control plant density.

The ant lion (family Chrysopidae) is an insect hunter.

The lesser fish eagle (Icthyophaga humilis) mostly inhabits quiet areas near water sources.

The western forest is home to a variety of birds that eat small fruits, insects and animals. The hawk, a predator, also makes its home here. A flock of vernal hanging Parrots (Loriculus vernalis) quench their thirst with water at a salt lick.

A collared falconet (Microhierax caerulescens) is waiting to catch insects.

Pin-tailed pigeons (Treron apicauda) are resident birds, but Thick-billed pigeons (Treron curvirostra) usually gather in are rarely seen. large flocks. They like to eat fruit.

World Heritage Values

Twenty years ago, it was described as Thailand’s “largest remaining wilderness” and one of its “most unexplored regions”. This is still true today because, despite its proximity to Bangkok, Thung Yai – Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary remains one of the country’s least accessible and least disturbed forest areas. Thung Yai - Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries were added to the World Heritage List in 1991 under the following criteria: Criteria to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including XIII: the record of life, significant ongoing geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features. Criteria IX: to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals. Criteria X: to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.

The gallery forest along lower Huai Kha Khaeng stream remains pristine.

The Conservation Project for the Western Forest of Thailand

The satellite picture shows the distribution of the reserved areas in the western forest, covering 18,730 square kilometers. The red patch indicates the abundant forest and the dark-blue one the areas with reservoirs 1.Khao Sanam Preang Wildlife Sanctuary 2.Khlong Wang Chao National Park 3.Klong Lan National Park 4.Mae Wong National Park 5.Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary 6.Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary 7.Eastern Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary 8.Western Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary 9.Thong Phaphum National Park 10.Khao Leam National Park 11.Lam Khlong Ngu National Park 12.Srinakarin Dam National Park 13. 14. 15.Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary 16.Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park 17.Phu Toei National Park

Sueb Nakasatien once made the suggestion that the whole ecosystem in the western forest of Thailand should be taken into account given the sustainable conservation in Thung Yai- Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries because only vast forests could ever guarantee the ecosystem and that wildlife species could be saved for good. Conservationists such as officials at the Royal Forest Department and private organizations pushed forward the idea in 1997 in order to conserve the western forest with its vast expanse of 18,730 square kilometers. It comprises 17 reserved forests in the form of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, including World Heritage Site-listed Thung Yai-Huai Kah Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries at Phrathat cave, Erawon National Park.

its centre. This western forest complex is the largest nature reserve area in all of Southeast Asia. The basic principle of ecosystem management is to consider all the reserved forest as a whole and to have common conservation guidelines in order to ensure sustainable conservation of the varied biodiversity and primitive ecosystem in the western forest. The western forest harbours diverse plant and wildlife species that are not only important locally but also internationally, especially endemic Cairina scutulata, Eastern Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife species. Those are species found in a specific area Sanctuary.

of the world. If at some point in time an endemic species is not found in that area at all, it is indicative of its total extinction. Endemic species found in the western forest include Yenbutra’s roundleaf bat (Hipposideros halophyllus), the arrow-tailed four-clawed gecko (Gehyra angusticaudata) and the Kanburi pit viper (Trimeresurus kanburiensis). Among such endemic species, two are world recordholders in terms of size, namely Kitti’s hog-nosed bat (Craseonycteis thonglongyai), the world’s smallest mammal, which inhabits a limestone cave in the western. forest and the striped giant soft-shelled turtle (Chitra chitra), the world’s largest soft-shelled turtle, which lives in the upper Kwai Yai River. Compared with other forests that are now sparse, the western forest is a sign of hope for natural conservation in the country. Moreover systemize ecological management is also a key to the survival of the World Heritage Sites of Thung Yai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries.

Kitti’s hog-nosed bat, Sai Yok National Park.

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